Brief Review :: The Quotable Chesterton by Kevin Belmonte

Kevin Belmonte has a love for G.K. Chesterton, and by compiling quotations and pithy sayings of this great British Christian author in The Quotable Chesterton: The Wit and Wisdom of G.K. Chesterton, he has provided a resource wherein others can share his love.  Chesterton was a prolific and brilliant author who garnished a broad readership during his lifetime.  His example served as inspirational to C.S. Lewis and other authors, and his influence continues today, as evidenced here at this blog that I read with some frequency.

Belmonte's collection of quotations comes in the form of a compendium, which can be a helpful tool.  When an author has written many books, it is likely that there are many gems spread throughout what they have written.  From experience, I know that there are certain authors I gravitate toward and read more frequently than others. Compendiums such as this one allow me to familiarize myself with some of the stronger statements from Chesterton without having to possess an extensive knowledge of all that he has written.

In this volume, Chesterton's remarks are placed under alphabetical headings, beginning with Academia and concluding with Zola, Emile.  In between we find musings on Politics and Culture and Half-Truths.  Throughout, there are many kernels of truth.

Though I have read Chesterton (Orthodoxy; The Everlasting Man), I haven't immersed myself in his writings enough to recognize if a topic was neglected that should have been included, or if a quotation of value was left out that shouldn't have been missed.  Others who are more familiar with Chesterton can render judgment better than I am able.  As a writer and speaker, however, there is plenty within this volume that will prove valuable to me.

DISCLAIMER: I received this book as a participant in the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze program, meaning, I got it for free in exchange for a review. If I love the book, I will say so. If I hate it, I will say so. Free is nice. But programs like this give books away for free to generate conversation, and I'm glad to help generate some buzz.